California Governor Gavin Newsom formally announced yesterday, Thursday, that all death sentences in the state would be changed to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole.
Newsom said: “My decision today follows nearly three decades of openly opposing state-sanctioned executions as an elected official.”
The historic sentencing change will directly affect 548 prisoners currently on California’s death row. The announcement also comes amid speculation that Newsom may run for the US presidency in 2028.
However, implementing the commutations requires several legal procedures. California’s constitution requires prior approval by the state Supreme Court for anyone convicted of a felony more than once. Such cases account for nearly 70% of the prisoners concerned. By Rithy.
